Backpacking gas stoves

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Pressurized gas stoves

Pressurized gas stoves use either liquid or compressed gas fuels. The fuel container and the burner unit can either be combined in a single unit or connected by a short fuel line. Fuel is then forced from the fuel container into the burner unit by pressure.

Compressed gas fuels

Compressed gas, such as butane and propane fuels, come in their own containers, ready to burn. They burn clean and are easy to light, burning hot immediately. Gas stoves are efficient camping stoves, a good choice, especially if you are going to prepare meals for a group of people. However, they can be tricky to use in cold and windy conditions. The containers can't be refilled, and can be hard to find in many areas of the world.

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Liquid fuels

Liquid stoves have refillable fuel tanks and are designed to work with a variety of fuels such as white gas, kerosene and unleaded gas. The pressure to force the fuel from the container into the burner must be created by using a small pump device. The liquid fuel turns into a gas that is dependent on the pressure and the heat from the burner.

Liquid stoves can be more difficult to use, mainly because priming is required. Priming is the process of heating up the burner and fuel line to make sure the liquid fuel converts to a gas. Both kerosene and unleaded gas do not work well to start the burning process and may require the use of a priming paste to heat up the burner.

In general, liquid stoves are reliable and efficient in just about any weather conditions. Liquid fuels for gas are inexpensive and widely available. However, it is worth noting that both unleaded gas and kerosene tend to smoke and clog fuel lines. In addition, unleaded gas is extremely volatile, so only use it as a last resort.

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